Ellen von Unwerth, the renowned German photographer celebrated for her iconic Guess Jeans campaigns and work with celebrities like Madonna, has been ostracized from New York City’s exclusive party circuit after creating promotional posters for the ‘Melania’ documentary. The backlash, first exposed by Page Six on February 2, 2026, has led event planners to remove her from invitation lists, with insiders expressing fury over her association with the Trump administration.
The controversy erupted when von Unwerth, 72, shot black-and-white images of Melania Trump for Amazon’s documentary, which explores the former first lady’s life. According to exclusive reports, seven NYC party planners have declared her ‘snapper non grata,’ with one bluntly stating, ‘Oh f–k this bitch. Off my invite list!!’ Another lamented, ‘Very disappointed she’s supporting this administration,’ highlighting the deep political divides permeating elite social circles.
Von Unwerth’s involvement stems from a long-standing relationship with Melania Trump, dating back to a 1990s Camel cigarette ad. Trump’s agent, Marc Beckman, told Fox News that ‘Ellen and Melania have an incredible relationship,’ and the collaboration was intended to surprise the fashion community. However, it has instead sparked widespread condemnation, particularly on social media.
Paris-based writer Louis Pisano ignited the firestorm by posting a critical reel on Instagram, asking, ‘Who would be thirsty enough to position themself with this fascist administration?’ His post, reposted by Madonna, garnered over 1200 comments, with figures like photographer Francesca Sorrenti calling it a ‘sneak’ move and fashion illustrator Richard Haines drawing comparisons to Leni Riefenstahl. Socialite Peter Davis explored the issue in an Avenue Magazine article on January 30, questioning whether von Unwerth should be cancelled.
The photographer was spotted at high-profile screenings of the documentary, including a black-tie event at the White House attended by Apple CEO Tim Cook, Queen Rania of Jordan, and billionaire James Packer, as well as a premiere at the Kennedy Center with guests like Nicki Minaj and Mike Tyson. These appearances fueled perceptions of her alignment with the Trump orbit, intensifying the backlash.
Directed by Brett Ratner, who has faced sexual misconduct allegations, the ‘Melania’ documentary has a $75 million budget, dwarfing typical films like the Oscar-nominated ‘RBG.’ Critics have labeled it ‘pay for play,’ suggesting Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is currying favor with the Trump administration. This context adds to the controversy surrounding von Unwerth’s participation.
Despite the uproar, some observers believe von Unwerth will survive the scandal. Pisano noted that ‘fashion people have notoriously short memories,’ and her career may not be severely impacted, as seen with other figures like Bruce Weber and Mario Testino. However, the incident has exposed the volatile intersection of politics, fashion, and social status in NYC.
Von Unwerth has remained silent, with her agents unresponsive to inquiries. The episode underscores how professional choices in the cultural sphere can lead to social exile, reflecting broader tensions in an increasingly polarized world. As the ‘Melania’ film reaches audiences, the photographer’s future in the city’s elite circles remains uncertain, serving as a cautionary tale for artists navigating political landscapes.
